Here are 5 famous actresses from Russia were born in 1909:
Lidiya Sukharevskaya (August 30, 1909 Petergof-October 11, 1991 Moscow) a.k.a. L. Sukharevskaya, Lidiya Petrovna Sukharevskaya or Sukharevskaya Lydia P. was a Russian actor, playwright and screenwriter.
She started her acting career in the 1920s and was known for her performances in Soviet films such as "The Swineherd and the Shepherd" (1941) and "The Young Guard" (1948). She also contributed to Soviet cinema as a screenwriter for films like "Amphibian Man" (1962) and "The Ballad of the Valiant Knight Ivanhoe" (1983). Sukharevskaya was also a successful playwright, with some of her most famous works including "The Golden Key" and "The Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors". She was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1967 and was a recipient of the Order of Lenin. Sukharevskaya passed away in Moscow in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and accomplished figures in Soviet cinema and theater.
Sukharevskaya was born to a family of artists and was exposed to theater and cinema from a young age. She began performing in school plays before joining a theater group in Leningrad in the early 1920s. Her breakthrough role came in 1929 when she played the lead in a production of Maxim Gorky's "The Lower Depths". She went on to appear in numerous productions on the stage, becoming one of the most prominent actresses of the era.
In addition to her acting career, Sukharevskaya was also a talented writer. She wrote a number of plays, screenplays, and adaptations of classic literature for the stage and screen. Her work often explored themes of social justice and the struggles of the working class, and she was known for her ability to infuse her writing with humor and wit.
Throughout her career, Sukharevskaya was a vocal advocate for the arts and for the importance of preserving cultural heritage. She served as a member of the Union of Soviet Writers and was involved in efforts to promote theater and cinema both domestically and abroad.
Sukharevskaya's legacy continues to live on in the many films and plays she contributed to, as well as in the numerous awards and honors she received over the years. She remains an important figure in the history of Russian theater and cinema, and is remembered as a talented and dedicated artist who made significant contributions to the cultural life of her country.
Sukharevskaya was known not only for her acting and writing talents but also for her philanthropy work. She was a frequent visitor to hospitals and orphanages, bringing gifts and entertainment to those in need. During World War II, she volunteered as a nurse and worked in a hospital treating wounded soldiers. Her dedication to helping others earned her a reputation as a compassionate and caring individual, and she was held in high esteem by her colleagues and fans alike.
Moreover, Sukharevskaya was also a prominent figure in the Soviet Union's cultural diplomacy efforts. She traveled extensively throughout the world as part of various cultural delegations, promoting Soviet cinema and theater abroad. Her travels took her to Europe, Asia, and North America, where she participated in film festivals, cultural exchanges, and other events aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of Soviet art and culture.
Despite her many accomplishments, Sukharevskaya remained humble throughout her life, always attributing her success to hard work and dedication. She believed deeply in the power of art to bring people together and to inspire positive change, and she dedicated her life to promoting these ideals. Sukharevskaya's legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations of filmmakers, actors, and writers who continue to be influenced by her work and her example.
Emma Tsesarskaya (June 3, 1909 Dnipropetrovsk-February 28, 1990 Moscow) a.k.a. Emma Vladimirovna Tsesarskaya or E. Tsesarskaya was a Russian actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and went on to become one of the most prominent Soviet actresses of her time. Tsesarskaya starred in numerous films, including "The Return of Maxim" and "The Kuban Cossacks", and was known for her ability to embody complex characters. She received the prestigious Stalin Prize in 1948 for her role in the film "The Young Guard". Tsesarskaya was also a talented theater actress and appeared in productions at the Moscow Art Theatre and the Sovremennik Theatre. Later in life, she became a teacher of acting at the Moscow Art Theatre School. Tsesarskaya passed away in Moscow in 1990 at the age of 80.
In addition to her successful career in film and theater, Emma Tsesarskaya was also recognized for her dedication to the arts. She was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation. Tsesarskaya was known for her support of the Moscow Art Theatre and was instrumental in the establishment of the theater's new building in 1943. She was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labour for her contributions to Soviet cinema and theater. Tsesarskaya's legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and artists in Russia and beyond.
Throughout her career, Emma Tsesarskaya collaborated with some of the most esteemed directors in Soviet cinema, including Sergei Eisenstein, Grigori Aleksandrov, and Mikhail Romm. Her ability to convey complex emotions and internal struggles of her characters made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Tsesarskaya's performances were often praised for their depth and authenticity, with many considering her to be one of the greatest actresses of her time.
In addition to her work in film and theater, Tsesarskaya was also an accomplished writer. She penned several plays and scripts throughout her career, including the screenplay for the film "The New Adventures of the Elusive Avengers". Her writing often explored themes of social justice and the struggles of working-class people.
Tsesarskaya was deeply committed to the ideals of the Soviet Union and used her platform as an actress to champion socialism and workers' rights. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights and fought for gender equality throughout her life.
Despite her many achievements, Tsesarskaya's personal life was not without hardship. Her husband, fellow actor Pyotr Aleynikov, was executed during the Stalinist purges in the 1930s. Tsesarskaya herself was blacklisted by the Soviet government for a time due to her association with Aleynikov.
Today, Emma Tsesarskaya is remembered as one of the most important figures in Soviet cinema and theater. Her contributions to the arts and her dedication to social justice continue to inspire actors and artists around the world.
Tatiana Lieven (August 8, 1909 Saint Petersburg-November 1, 1978 St John's Wood) otherwise known as Tania Lieven was a Russian film director, television director, television producer, actor and screenwriter.
Born into a privileged Russian family, Tania Lieven fled the country with her mother and sister during the Russian Revolution in 1917. She grew up in the UK and later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where she trained in acting. Lieven's career in the film industry began in the 1930s when she worked as a script supervisor and film editor. She directed her first film, "I Lived with You," in 1933 and went on to direct several successful films including "Sleeping Car to Trieste" (1948) and "Great Expectations" (1946).
During WWII, Lieven worked for the British Ministry of Information as a propaganda filmmaker. After the war, she began working in television and produced and directed several popular programs. She also worked as an actor and appeared in several TV series and films, including "Out of the Unknown" (1967) and "The Devil's Agent" (1962).
Tania Lieven was known for her innovative and groundbreaking work in the film and television industry. She was one of the first female directors in the UK and her work paved the way for other women to enter the industry. She was also an accomplished writer and wrote several plays and screenplays throughout her career. Lieven died in St John's Wood, London, in 1978 at the age of 69.
Lieven's work in the film and television industry was highly regarded and earned her many accolades throughout her career. She won the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Award for Best Foreign Director for her film "Sleeping Car to Trieste" in 1949. She also won the Royal Television Society's Silver Medal for her work in television in 1965. In addition to her directing and producing work, Lieven was an active member of the British Film Institute and served on several committees. She was also involved in various charitable organizations, including the Red Cross and the RSPCA. Lieven's legacy continues to inspire and influence filmmakers and she is remembered as a pioneer for women in the film industry.
Lieven's father, Prince Paul Lieven, was a diplomat and her mother, Princess Helena Dolgoruky, came from an aristocratic Russian family. Due to her parents' social status, Lieven grew up surrounded by notable figures such as Rasputin, Lenin, and the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II. Her early experiences in Russia had a significant impact on Lieven's artistic vision, and many of her films and television shows reflected her interest in Russian culture.
In addition to her work in the film and television industry, Lieven was also a passionate advocate for gender equality and women's rights. She was a member of the Women's Engineering Society and often spoke out about the need for more women in technical positions in the film industry. Lieven believed that women had a unique perspective to offer and that their voices should be heard both on and off screen.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice as a female director, Lieven remained dedicated to her craft and continued to produce innovative and influential work throughout her career. She inspired many young women to pursue careers in film and television, and her impact on the industry can still be seen today.
Lieven's contributions to the arts and her commitment to social justice make her a true trailblazer and a role model for future generations.
Yevgeniya Melnikova (June 27, 1909 Moscow-September 10, 2001 Moscow) also known as E. Melnikova, Yevgeniya Konstantinovna Melnikova, Ye. Malnikova, Genia Melikova, Ye. Melnikova or Genia Melnikova was a Russian actor.
Yevgeniya Melnikova was born in Moscow in 1909. She graduated from the Moscow Art Theatre school in 1931 and began her acting career on stage before making her film debut in 1936. Melnikova appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, including "The Youth of Maxim," "The Return of Maxim," and "The Great Family." She was known for her versatile range, playing characters that were both comedic and dramatic. Melnikova was honored with the People's Artist of the USSR award in 1974 and received the Order of Lenin in 1984 for her contributions to Soviet cinema. She passed away in Moscow in 2001 at the age of 92.
Melnikova was known for her close collaboration with the film director Grigori Kozintsev, with whom she worked on several films including "Don Quixote", "Hamlet" and "King Lear". Melnikova's portrayal of Lady Macbeth in Kozintsev's film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in 1971 brought her wide critical acclaim both in the USSR and abroad. In addition to her acting career, Melnikova was also a teacher at the Moscow Art Theatre School, where she trained several generations of actors. She was married to the famous Russian film director Sergei Yutkevich for over 50 years until his death in 1985. Melnikova was a dedicated member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and actively contributed to the Party's cultural initiatives throughout her career.
Throughout her career, Yevgeniya Melnikova worked with some of the most talented filmmakers and actors in the Soviet Union, cementing her place in the history of Soviet cinema. Her talent and dedication to the craft of acting earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and audiences alike. Melnikova's legacy as a versatile actor and teacher has continued long after her passing. In her honor, the Moscow Art Theatre School established the Yevgeniya Melnikova Acting Award, which is presented each year to the most outstanding graduating student.
Evgeniya Melnikova (June 27, 1909 Moscow-September 10, 2001 Moscow) a.k.a. Yevgeniya Konstantinovna Melnikova was a Russian actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing on stage and in films. Melnikova's most iconic role was that of Marfa Lapkina in the film "The Cranes are Flying" (1957), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. She worked closely with director Mikhail Kalatozov and also appeared in his films "Letter Never Sent" (1959) and "I Am Cuba" (1964). Melnikova was renowned for her ability to portray women with strong personalities and was considered one of the leading actresses of Soviet cinema. She was also a People's Artist of the USSR and was awarded the Order of Lenin for her contributions to Soviet culture.
In addition to her success on the screen, Melnikova was also an accomplished stage actress. She performed at the Moscow Art Theatre and the Vakhtangov Theatre, among others. Her notable theatrical roles included Irina in Chekhov's "Three Sisters" and Margarita in Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita." Melnikova was also a professor at the State Institute of Theatre Arts in Moscow, where she trained a new generation of actors. Though she retired from acting in the 1970s, her legacy continued to live on, and she remained a respected figure in the world of Soviet cinema until her death in 2001.
In addition to her successful acting career, Melnikova was also known for her philanthropic work. She was actively involved in various charitable organizations throughout her life and supported causes related to education, healthcare, and the arts. Melnikova's dedication to social causes was widely recognized, and she was awarded the Order of Friendship in 1999 for her contributions to society. She also founded the Evgeniya Melnikova Charitable Foundation in 1995, which continues to support education and cultural initiatives in Russia. Melnikova's contribution to Soviet cinema and culture, both as an actor and a philanthropist, has earned her a revered place in Russian history.